Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids



F. L. KUREK 3,054,533

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLED DISPENSING OF LIQUIDS Sept. 18, 1962 Filed Jan.4, 1960 FRANK L. KUREK ATTORNEY atent that:

3,454,533 Patented Sept. 18, 1962 3,054,533 APPARATUS FOR CGNTROLLEDDISPENSING F LIQUIDS Frank L. Kurek, 699 Charles Lane, Madison, Wis.Filed Jan. 4, 1960, Ser. No. 158 7 Claims. (Cl. 22270) This inventionrelates to improvements in apparatus for controlled dispensing ofliquids.

Prior to my invention controlled liquid dispensing apparatus merelyprovided for the timed raising and lowering of a ball valve in adischarge nozzle located at the bottom of a storage tank. The volume ofoutput was dependent upon the size of the nozzle hole, it beingnecessary to change discharge nozzles whenever it was desired to reduceor increase the volume of the outflow from the storage tank. As therewas no control of the velocity of the flow of liquid before it reachedthe nozzle hole, there was considerable splash-back of the liquid,particularly with liquids of low viscosity. Also, in view of the lack ofrefinement in the controls which raised and lowered the ball valve inthe discharge nozzle, there was less accuracy in the quantity of liquiddelivered, and there was usually some dripping of the liquid from thedischarge nozzle even after it was closed.

It is an important object of this invention to provide apparatus forgreater versatility in controlling the dispensation of liquids havingvarying degrees of viscosity.

Another object is to provide apparatus to regulate the quantity ofliquid to be dispensed simultaneously with the pouring of the liquid andwithout the removal or disassembly of the discharge nozzle unit.

A further object of this invention is to reduce the discharge velocityof the liquid from the dispenser so as to minimize the amount ofsplash-back as the liquid is dispensed into a container.

An additional object of this invention is to provide apparatus whichwill increase the accuracy in the measurement of dispensed liquids.

A still additional object of this invention is to provide apparatuswhich will minimize the amount of drip from the discharge nozzle afterthe discharge valve has been closed.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from thefollowing description when considered with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical plan view of one form of my invention shown withina cross-section of certain of the parts with a portion of the connectingrod and tank walls broken away.

FIG. 2 is a vertical plan view of another form of my invention within across-section of my discharge nozzle and washer.

FIG. 3 is a vertical plan view of still another form of my inventionwithin a cross-section of my discharge nozzle and washer.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of my discharge nozzle.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of my discharge nozzle substantiallyalong the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

Liquid flow control apparatus has a discharge nozzle 11 which isnormally located at the bottom 12 of a storage tank 13 for liquids andsuch nozzle provides the outlet from the tank. A solenoid magnetic coil14 is located at the top 15 of storage tank 13. Magnetic coil 14 has acover 16 with a raised centrally-disposed top 18 which may be removableand which has an aperture 19. Magnetic coil unit 14 may also be removedfrom tank 13. The upper end 20 of connecting rod 21 projects upwardlythrough aperture 19 and extends downwardly through tank 13, and issecured at its lower end 22 to metering bushing 23. Connecting rod 21 ispreferably of material which will not be easily bent or deformed, suchas spring tempered non-magnetic stainless steel. Under cover 16,connecting rod 21 carries rubber stop washer 24, upper stop bushing 25,solenoid core 26 and lower stop bushing 27. Solenoid core 26 is slidablyengaged with connecting rod 21 between upper stop bushing 25 and lowerstop bushing 27 which are retained in position by set screws 28 and 29.I have found that the distance of travel of solenoid core 26 onconnecting rod 21 should be about one-fourth inch for reasonshereinafter stated, though such distance may be modified in relation tothe size of the apparatus. Solenoid core 26 is preferably of hexagonalor similar shape to reduce friction with magnetic coil 14 and preferablyhas a small longitudinal slot 30.

Ball valve 33, of stainless steel or similar material, is secured to thelower end of metering bushing 23. FIG. 1 shows a cylindrical meteringbushing 23 with substan tially vertical sides. Discharge nozzle 11 has arecess 31 in which metering washer 32 is fitted, leaving a space 32abetween metering washer 32 and metering bushing 23. Normally ball valve33 is smaller than the inside diameter of metering washer 32. Outlet 34of discharge nozzle 11, preferably has a substantially vertical shortlip or wall 35 with a slightly sloping valve seat 36. The bottom wall 37of discharge nozzle 11 may be flat. Discharge nozzle 11 preferably hasguide ribs 33 which are sloping at the top 39. The floor area 40 ofdischarge nozzle 11 between the guide ribs 38 is preferablysubstantially flat. Discharge nozzle 11 may be secured to tank 13 bycoupling 40a by threaded engagement or other attaching means which willpermit a ready connection.

FIG. 2 shows another form of metering bushing 41 with a cylindrical body42 which has a tapering body 43. Tapering body 43 narrows to the size ofshank 44 which extends between tapering body 43 and ball valve 33. Space43a extends between metering washer 32 and tapering body 43.

FIG. 3 show another form of apparatus without a metering bushing, butwith a plastic metering washer 45 having a diagonal split or cut 47,which cut is in closed position when in operating position in slot 31.Space 46 extends between rod 20 and metering washer 45. I have foundthat metering washer of the product known as Teflon has the requiredflexibility, durability and chemical resistance. A two-piece stainlesssteel metering washer may be used instead of the above-described splitplastic washer.

With liquid in storage tank 13, ball valve 33 would rest on valve seat36, closing outlet 34. In order to open outlet 34, solenoid magneticcoil 14 is actuated by electrical means, and is connected toconventional timing means to permit outlet 34 to be opened and closedfor predetermined periods of time. As coil 14 is actuated, solenoid core26 is pulled upward within coil 14 and against upper stop bushing 25. Asthe core 26 strikes upper stop bushing 25, it overcomes the inertia ofrod 21 and ball valve 33 causing a quick response to the initial voltagein the coil, causing the rod 21 and ball valve 33 to raise to theposition shown in FIG. 1. Slot 30 in the solenoid core 26 further helpsto produce a quick response of the core to the voltage in the core 14 byreducing any eddy currents.

When ball valve 33 is raised, the liquid flows between metering washer32 and metering bushing 23 into discharge nozzle 11 through outlet 34.The amount of liquid passing through outlet 34 within a given timeperiod is determined by the viscosity of the liquid and the size ofmetering washer 32 which can be interchanged as desired. When space 32abetween metering washer 32 and metering bushing 23 is small, thequantity of liquid passing through outlet 34 is restricted. If it isdesired to increase the liquid flow (or if the viscosity of the liquidis increased) a washer which leaves a larger space 32a may be inserted.In highly viscous liuids it may be desirable to remove washer 32completely. Also in such case a completely free flow of the liquidthrough outlet 34 may be permitted by removing metering bushing 23 fromdischarge nozzle 11. This may be accomplished by removing top 18 ormagnetic coil 14 and pulling connecting rod 21 upward.

When metering washer 32 and metering bushing 23 are used as shown inFIG. 1, they control the flow of liquid through outlet 34. The amount ofback-splash is substantially reduced as compared to the old apparatuswhich merely permitted the liquid to flow through the outlet withoutinternal nozzle controls over the liquid flow. Metering washers 32 maybe exchanged or replaced in recess 31 by removing discharge nozzle 11after removal of coupling 400.

After the desired amount of liquid has been dispensed, the coil 14 isdeactivated. Solenoid core 26, connecting rod 21 and ball valve 33 dropuntil the ball comes to rest on valve seat 36 to close outlet 34. Thesolenoid core 26, however, continues to drop until it strikes lower stopbushing 27. As the core 26 drops against lower stop bushing 27, itcounteracts any bounce of the ball valve 33 as it strikes valve seat 36.Thus, outlet 34 is closed quickly and positively to prevent passage ofadditional liquid or dripping. Guide ribs 38 guide the ball directly tothe outlet which also speeds up the closure of outlet 34, withoutsubstantial wear on the ball valve or valve seat. The sloped top 39 ofguide ribs 38 are especially helpful when inserting ball valve 33 intothe discharge nozzle '11. The shortened lip also reduces the amount ofliquid which may hang on to the outlet, thereby minimizing drippingafter the outlet is closed. Thus, I have reduced dripping substantiallyby (l) reducing the area to which material may cling after the outlet isclosed; (2) counteracting the bounce of the ball valve as it strikes thevalve seat; and (3) providing a quick positive fit for the ball valve inthe valve seat. By having connecting rod 20 extend above top 18, theoperator can observe the rods upward and downward movement to ensureproper operation of the valve.

Metering bushing 42 shown in FIG. 2 has the further advantage ofadjusting the amount of the flow of liquid from outlet 34 when thedischarge nozzle is in operation without stopping to dissemble the unit.Thus, by removal of top 18 or coi-l unit 14, rubber stop washers 24 maybe added to or subtracted from upper rod 20 and then replacing the topor coil unit. In this way, the position of tapering body 43 is raised orlowered in relation to metering washer 32.. If rubber stop washers 24are added, the space 43a is narrowed as tapering body 43 is lowered, andthe liquid flow is reduced. If the number of rubber stop washers 24 isreduced, the space 43a is increased in size as tapering body 43 israised. Thus, as stated, adjustment of the flow rate may be made withoutdraining the liquid from storage tank 13 and without removal ofdischarge nozzle 11. More precise adjustment may be made in raising orlowering tapering body 43 by having a screw adjustment for upper rod 20at aperture 19 and top 18.

The form shown in FIG. 3 uses a split plastic metering washer 45 withouta metering bushing. By splitting the plastic washer, it can be easilyplaced around rod 21. The inside dimension of the washer may thus be ofany size to control the liquid flow as desired. The use of a plasticwasher is particularly convenient since the user can drill it to anysize orifice that suits his needs. The main advantage of this form restsin its gentler discharge velocities and lower available flow rates. Ithas been found particularly useful in dispensing thin, nonviscousliquids. This modification also has less punch-out effect when ballvalve 33 comes in contact with valve seat 36, than exists when rod 21carries a metering bushing. When a metering bushing 23, as shown in FIG.1, moves downward when outlet 34 is closed, it displaces an equivalentamount of liquid which has a tendency to increase slightly the flow atthe time of the shut-off. This efiect is eliminated by the modificationof FIG. 3, because rod 21 has a smaller volume than metering bushing 23of FIG. 1.

Although I have shown certain embodiments of my invention, it isunderstood that all modifications contemplated by the following claimsare deemed within the spirit and scope of my invention. For example, itis evident that the connecting rod may be moved by other means such asan air cylinder which can also be connected to a standard timing device.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids from a liquid supplysource comprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end incommunication with said supply source and an outlet end below the inletend in spaced relation thereto, a valve for said outlet end, a meteringbushing secured to said valve extending upwardly and above said inletend, a metering washer having an opening smaller than the inlet end ofsaid discharge nozzle encircling the metering bushing at said inlet endwith a space between the metering bushing and the metering washer topermit the flow of liquid therethrough to said outlet end, said spacebeing of smaller cross section than said outlet end, a connecting rodextending upwardly from the metering bushing, means in communicationwith said connecting rod for lowering and raising the connecting rod toengage and disengage said valve in and from said outlet end atpredetermined intervals, a plurality of guide ribs extending inwardlyfrom the wall of said discharge nozzle between said inlet end and saidoutlet end in spaced relation to engage and maintain said valve insubstantially vertical alignment with said outlet end during engagementand disengagement therewith.

2. Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids from a liquid supplysource comprising a discharge nozzle having an inlet end incommunication with said supply source and an outlet end below the inletend, a valve for said outlet end, a metering bushing with a taperingbody above said valve at said inlet end, a shank connecting saidmetering bushing and said valve, a metering washer having an openingsmaller than the inlet end of said discharge nozzle but larger than thegreatest diameter of said tapering body encircling the metering bushingat said inlet end with a space between the metering bushing and themetering washer to permit the flow of liquid therethrough to said outletend, a connecting rod extending upwardly from the metering bushing,adjustable means on said connecting rod for lowering and raising saidmetering bushing when said valve is open to regulate the liquid flowthrough said space, means in communication with said connecting rod forlowering and raising the connecting rod to engage and disengage saidvalve in and from said outlet end at predetermined intervals and guidemeans for said valve extending inwardly from the wall of said dischargenozzle.

Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids from a liquid supplysource comprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end incommunication with said supply source and an outlet end below the inletend in spaced relation thereto, a valve for said outlet end, aconnecting rod extending upwardly from the valve, a metering washerhaving an opening smaller than the inlet end of said discharge nozzleencircling the connecting rod at said inlet end with a space between theconnecting rod and the metering washer to permit the flow of liquidtherethrough to said outlet end, said metering washer being of flexiblematerial and being split, said space being of smaller cross section thansaid outlet end, means in communication with said connecting rod forlowering and raising the connecting rod to engage and disengage saidvalve in and from said outlet end at predetermined intervals, aplurality of guide ribs extending inwardly from the wall of saiddischarge nozzle between said inlet end and said outlet end in spacedrelation to engage and maintain said valve in substantially verticalalignment with said outlet end during engagement and disengagementtherewith.

4. The invention of claim 7 wherein the discharge nozzle has a pluralityof guide ribs for said valve extending inwardly from the wall of saiddischarge nozzle substantially from the inlet end to the outlet end.

5. Liquid discharge apparatus for use with a liquid supply sourcecomprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end and an outlet end, avalve within said discharge nozzle for said outlet end, a meteringbushing secured to said valve extending toward and beyond said inletend, a metering washer having an opening smaller than the inlet end ofsaid discharge nozzle encircling the metering bushing at said inlet endwith a space between the metering bushing and the metering washer topermit the flow of liquid therethrough to said outlet end, said spacebeing of smaller cross section than said outlet end, and means incommunication with said valve for opening and closing said outlet end.

6. Liquid discharge apparatus for use with a liquid supply sourcecomprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end and an outlet end, avalve within said discharge nozzle for said outlet end, a meteringbushing with a tapering body at said inlet end and extending outwardlytherefrom, a shank connecting said valve and metering bushing, ametering washer having an opening smaller than the inlet end of saiddischarge nozzle but larger than the greatest diameter of said taperingbody encircling the metering bushing at said inlet end with a spacebetween the metering bushing and the metering washer to permit the flowof liquid therethrough to said outlet end, means secured to saidmetering bushing in cooperation with said valve for opening and closingsaid outlet end, and adjustable means in communication with saidmetering bushing for lowering and raising the metering bushing when saidoutlet end is open to regulate the liquid flow through said space.

7. Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids from a liquid supplysource comprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end incommunication with said supply source and an outlet end below the inletend, a valve for said outlet end, variable flow rate means at the inletend of said discharge nozzle for determining the flow rate of liquid tobe dispensed from said outlet end, means connected to said valve forlowering and raising said valve in and from said outlet end atpredetermined intervals, and means in cooperation with said lowering andraising means for adjusting said variable flow rate means, said variableflow rate means being secured to said lowering and raising means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re.23,730 Mojonnier May 18, 1954 824,468 Calley June 26, 1906 2,111,232VJetzel Mar. 15, 1938 2,555,907 Venard June 5, 1951 2,566,051 Avery Aug.28, 1951 2,601,139 Hill June 17, 1952 2,925,102 Cummings et al Feb. 16,1960 2,979,231 Witherspoon Apr. 11, 1961

